Detailed Explanation of Rapid Propagation Methods for Cherry Seedlings

1. Land preparation and seedbed making

In mid-to-late April, select well-drained sandy loam soil, apply 2000-3000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure per 667 sq m (1 mu), deep plow, level and harrow fine. Then make beds, bed width 1 m, length 15-20 m, and use a 200-fold ferrous sulfate solution for soil disinfection (disinfection solution dosage: 50 kg per sq m).

2. Seed treatment

In early-to-mid May, pick ripe cherries, remove the flesh and wash clean, use No. 8 iron wire to form a small ring with a diameter of 1.5 cm, place the seed inside the ring, gently crack off the shell, then place the seeds in 40°C warm water, stirring continuously, and when the temperature drops to 20°C, soak for 24 hours.

3. Sowing and covering with film

Before sowing, irrigate the bed thoroughly; after the water soaks down, sow 1000 seeds per sq m, and cover with 1 cm thick fine sandy soil, then build a 60 cm high small arch shed, cover with plastic film, and finally cover with straw curtains.

4. Seedbed management

Cover with straw curtains at 8 AM every day, uncover at 5 PM; on cloudy days no need to cover with straw curtains. After 10-15 days, the sprouts will emerge. After the sprouts emerge, spray water once every 2-3 days to maintain moisture and lower temperature; when the seedlings grow to 4-5 true leaves, they can be transplanted. When transplanting, use a plant spacing of 10-15 cm and row spacing of 33 cm. Afterwards, spray a 0.4% urea solution once every day at 8 AM or after 5 PM to promote seedling growth. Spray continuously for 15 days. After the Autumn Equinox, grafting can be done.